Hickory Ridge High School

Hello, I am a student currently attending Hickory Ridge High School and i definately find this school to be unsatisfactory. The punishments are way too strict to the point where we have had to protest, uch as our very recent LetNirajWalk where we fought for a kid who was told he could not walk at graduation. We won, this to me shows that we as teh student body have had enough and are tired of our principals ridiclous punishments and are unfortunately forced to take action. during our protest Channel 9 News here in Charlotte, NC took notice and was going to help us and when that happened he agreed to let Niraj walk. If you are a parent moving to this area and are fooled by our test scores do not go for it the school itself is not the high school that my parents told me would be so great and if you already moved here and are attending.... transfer.
—Submitted by a student

My children attend Hickory Ridge High and I have not been happy with the administration/staff at all. I feel my children are treated as potential test scores rather than students. We decided to move to Harrisburg based on the test scores and school ratings; however we regret not looking into other aspects of the school instead of relying solely on State Test Scores. My child was a scholar athlete and received no recognition from the school with the exception of being told to purchase his patch for his letter jacket in the school office.This school has potential if the administration would realize a great school is much more than good test scores. The environment at Hickory Ridge is more like a correctional institution rather than a High School.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a senior this year at Hickory Ridge, and I've spent all four years here. The school is very strict, and it's maybe a little too academic oriented. We only have a couple pep-rallies a year, one of which is usually focused on academics (how fun!). And two dances, Homecoming and Prom. I always pictured high school as having a ton of dances and pep-rallies and school spirit, but i don't see that here. While it's not really a fun school, I have gotten a good education. As for the focusing on the EOCs, I don't think teachers can help that much, since they are required by the state. Many have been taken away this year, like Civics, so there should be less of a test focus in a few classes. But, the teachers here really do work hard and they're all good at their job. I feel like I've received a great education here.
—Submitted by a student

I started going here my freshman year (i am now a junior) and i was really exited and I had heard really good things about it...I was so wrong. The people there are extremely stuck up. The administration is strict and don't care about anything but test scores. I fortunately am leaving the school this year, along with a bunch of others.
—Submitted by a student

Our son will be in the first graduating class to go through all four years at Hickory Ridge. We are very pleased with the education he has received.
—Submitted by a parent

Hickory Ridge High School is a school that cares. People seem to complain about all of the rules that the school has, but if you are not a trouble-maker it does not matter what the rules are! You should just be happy that you have a school that has amazing teachers that want to help you, new facilities, and a place to feel safe.
—Submitted by a student

I have been teaching for over 10 years in several different schools in NC. HRHS is by far the best. Administration is supportive of teachers and has the best interest of the students as a top priority. I work with an excellent staff!
—Submitted by a teacher

I started school here as a Junior. I wasnt excited to be leaving Central half way through at all. I thought everything was going to be terrible. I was very wrong. This school is outstanding. I found The new breath of fresh air was very relaxing. Being able to walk down larger halls, and to be in a school whos ac/heat actualy worked was wonderful. Regardless of what many think about the staff, such as the Principal, They are always looking out for whats best. Yes things can be strict, but in the end the lack or problems allows this school to do more than others. The Technology is very advanced, and the students should be appreciative of what they have. Coming from an older school with MUCH less, to Hickory Ridge really opened my eyes to how fortunate we all are. I've since graduated and still appreciate HRHS

Ive been at this school since 10th grade and its ok i guess. I think i liked central a lot better b/c a lot of my friends were there and everyone was more school spirited.
—Submitted by a student

This school was new last year. I came in as a sophmore from a high school i loved because every body their had a certain bond with each other. But at the ridge I feel out of placed and uneasy. The staff is super controlling to the point that he gives the d.j. at the 1 dance we had a list of songs he wants to hear. It just doesn't feel like high school anymore
—Submitted by a student

I entereted HRHS as a freshman its first year and believed I was very lucky to have the chance to go to a school with so many advantagous qualities. It only took a few months for my opinion to change to the direct opposite. HRHS may have nice equipment, but I would much rather be at a school were I did not feel like I was a criminal for things I do not even do than a school that just had nice technology... which let's face it, Smartboards are redudent anyway. I can not believe I am going to be stuck at this horrible place for another two years and advise anyone rising freshmen who considers any doubts about HRHS to appeal and go to a different school while you still can.
—Submitted by a student

I have attended this school since it was opened in 2007. I started last year with a very open mind, and decided i would give it a chance. After attending the first semester, everything became very clear. The principle is over controlling and very rude, and some of the teachers are too. The faculty is stuck on being in a new school with all new technology that they don't even really know how to use, and arn't really focusing on what matters, which is teaching the students. Everday at this school is a miserable experience that I wish i didn't have to go through.
—Submitted by a student

this is my second year attending hickory ridge and so far i like it i think the teachers do a great job when i came from my old school in Maryland i wasn't doing to good there but ever since i haven't failed a single class and all my grades are good! i think there could be a few changes with some of the social events but otherwise its a great school you just here people complain to complain
—Submitted by a student

incredible school. Very responsive to my questions and concerns. The teachers are good and do a great job (unless you ask my son, he says there is too much homework) Great job so far!!!
—Submitted by a parent

As with any new organization, this school has some kinks to work out. My experiences with the administration get mixed reviews--I think the school principal is on a power trip. As a parent, I expect that all of the administration be accessible and responsive. I have attempted to contact him on three separate occasions about three separate/unrelated matters, and he doesn't even have the courtesy to return phone calls. Instead, he delegates to his junior staff members to handle parent calls/complaints. My answer to that is this: if I wanted to talk to an assistant principal or some other staff member, I would have contacted them first. I am calling him because I want to speak to him, not one of his representatives. Sure, if I was trying to call the President I would expect to hear back from a staff aid, but not for a school principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I honestly hate this school I was transfered here from Robinson and everyday spent here has been a miserable one. The adminstaration is controlling and I feel as I have not respected or given an oppturnity to grow. Some teacher are nice but many are also controlling. Being a jr. if have come to love my high school career over the past two yrs but this year has definatly been one I could done without.
—Submitted by a student